Hispanic Entrepreneur & Business Leader Roundtable Series
Sharing Success Stories - Bringing Diverse Entrepreneurs Together.
Friday, August 4th, 2017 - 7:30 AM to 9 AM
E|spaces Cool Springs
1550 West McEwen Drive, Suite 300, Franklin, TN 37067
Hosted by Williamson Inc. Chamber
Held four times a year, the NAHCC's Hispanic Entrepreneur and Business Leaders Breakfast Series showcases an outstanding line up of entrepreneurs who have made Nashville and Middle Tennessee their place of business, positively impacting the lives of local residents, through services, employment and economic development opportunities.
This special quarterly NAHCC series, lets you gain behind the scenes perspectives on timely topics; hear accomplished speakers and be a participant of relevant panel and round table discussions; network with local top leaders and learn from those inspiring success stories that make our region the best place to live, work and visit.
Doors open at 7:30 for coffee and networking. Promptly at 8:00 am panelist will be introduced and a Q&A roundtable session will begin co-moderated by NAHCC Chairman Luis Parodi and Williamson Inc. President & CEO Matt Largen.
The NAHCC is very excited to co-host its 2nd Hispanic Entrepreneur & Business Leaders Breakfast Roundtable Series with Williamson Inc. Chamber of Commerce on Friday, August 4, 2017 from 7:30 am – 9:00 am at E|spaces Cool Springs, 1550 West McEwen Drive, Suite 300, Franklin, TN 37067
Hear directly from determined Hispanic professionals who are leading innovation, entrepreneurship, and inspiring change.
Dates: March 22 / August 4 / September 15
For additional information or for sponsorship opportunities call 615-216-5737 or [email protected]
This special quarterly NAHCC series, lets you gain behind the scenes perspectives on timely topics; hear accomplished speakers and be a participant of relevant panel and round table discussions; network with local top leaders and learn from those inspiring success stories that make our region the best place to live, work and visit.
Doors open at 7:30 for coffee and networking. Promptly at 8:00 am panelist will be introduced and a Q&A roundtable session will begin co-moderated by NAHCC Chairman Luis Parodi and Williamson Inc. President & CEO Matt Largen.
The NAHCC is very excited to co-host its 2nd Hispanic Entrepreneur & Business Leaders Breakfast Roundtable Series with Williamson Inc. Chamber of Commerce on Friday, August 4, 2017 from 7:30 am – 9:00 am at E|spaces Cool Springs, 1550 West McEwen Drive, Suite 300, Franklin, TN 37067
Hear directly from determined Hispanic professionals who are leading innovation, entrepreneurship, and inspiring change.
Dates: March 22 / August 4 / September 15
For additional information or for sponsorship opportunities call 615-216-5737 or [email protected]
Roundtable Participants
Claudia Urdinola Rodriguez
Claudia Urdinola Rodriguez, owner/founder of "Butterfly Hill Ranch"
Claudia Urdinola Rodriguez is a professional civil engineer with 2 masters in project management and quality control, originally from Colombia - South America, Claudia has over 20 years of experience in construction, working for public and private Infrastructure Projects for Multinational Companies in South America, Central America and the Caribbean, also worked as estimator for biding and budget formulation in the USA.
In 2010 Claudia started an agribusiness enterprise at her farm "Butterfly Hill Ranch" located near Lebanon TN. In 2011 she was recognized as one of top three participants at the U.S Hispanic Chamber Foundation Green Builds Business national program initiative hosted by the Nashville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the production of Organic Cattle, poultry, fruits and vegetables.
Encouraged by Upper Cumberland Tourism Association to open a Bed and Breakfast in 2013, Claudia expanded the Dexter Cattle business with the guidance of the Agricultural Extension office of Wilson County where she completed the education program as a Master Beef Producer.
In 2014 Butterfly Hill Ranch Dexter Cattle got the first place in multiple categories at the Wilson County Fair which was a great opportunity to show the high-quality livestock produced at Butterfly Hill Ranch.
Her Dexter cows at Butterfly Hill Ranch are part of a Tennessee State University breeding research program on Dexter Cattle.
Earlier this year Claudia was awarded with a grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to bring the natural spring water to different locations at farm. The water was Lab tested as high quality, therefore Claudia is exploring the possibility to bottle the water and take it to the market.
Claudia Urdinola Rodriguez is a professional civil engineer with 2 masters in project management and quality control, originally from Colombia - South America, Claudia has over 20 years of experience in construction, working for public and private Infrastructure Projects for Multinational Companies in South America, Central America and the Caribbean, also worked as estimator for biding and budget formulation in the USA.
In 2010 Claudia started an agribusiness enterprise at her farm "Butterfly Hill Ranch" located near Lebanon TN. In 2011 she was recognized as one of top three participants at the U.S Hispanic Chamber Foundation Green Builds Business national program initiative hosted by the Nashville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the production of Organic Cattle, poultry, fruits and vegetables.
Encouraged by Upper Cumberland Tourism Association to open a Bed and Breakfast in 2013, Claudia expanded the Dexter Cattle business with the guidance of the Agricultural Extension office of Wilson County where she completed the education program as a Master Beef Producer.
In 2014 Butterfly Hill Ranch Dexter Cattle got the first place in multiple categories at the Wilson County Fair which was a great opportunity to show the high-quality livestock produced at Butterfly Hill Ranch.
Her Dexter cows at Butterfly Hill Ranch are part of a Tennessee State University breeding research program on Dexter Cattle.
Earlier this year Claudia was awarded with a grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to bring the natural spring water to different locations at farm. The water was Lab tested as high quality, therefore Claudia is exploring the possibility to bottle the water and take it to the market.
Ramon Arellano
Ramón Arellano, owner of San José Fiesta Restaurant
Ramón is owner of San Jose Fiesta Mexican restaurant at 99 Wallace Road in Nashville, has opened half a dozen businesses since he immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 1976, starting with a Mexican store and cleaning service in Charlotte, N.C. He now operates San Jose Fiesta and is the manager of Arellano Boxing, which develops professional boxers.
Arellano found business success through hard work, long hours and taking chances. He said his biggest challenge in being an immigrant business owner was learning about government regulations and the U.S. tax system.
"When we came to the United States, we had nothing," Arellano said in a feature story published in 2015 by The Tennessean newspaper about Nashville immigrants who have made a significant contribution to the local economy, especially through an outsized presence among local "main street" businesses, "I work, work, work. I own my building and I still mop, sweep and clean bathrooms."
A year earlier, on October 15 of 2014, Ramon Arellano received the NAHCC Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year Award during the chamber’s annual ceremony in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Ramón is owner of San Jose Fiesta Mexican restaurant at 99 Wallace Road in Nashville, has opened half a dozen businesses since he immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 1976, starting with a Mexican store and cleaning service in Charlotte, N.C. He now operates San Jose Fiesta and is the manager of Arellano Boxing, which develops professional boxers.
Arellano found business success through hard work, long hours and taking chances. He said his biggest challenge in being an immigrant business owner was learning about government regulations and the U.S. tax system.
"When we came to the United States, we had nothing," Arellano said in a feature story published in 2015 by The Tennessean newspaper about Nashville immigrants who have made a significant contribution to the local economy, especially through an outsized presence among local "main street" businesses, "I work, work, work. I own my building and I still mop, sweep and clean bathrooms."
A year earlier, on October 15 of 2014, Ramon Arellano received the NAHCC Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year Award during the chamber’s annual ceremony in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Mario Ramos
Mario Ramos, Attorney, founder of Law Office of Mario Ramos PLLC
Mario received the Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law, and his LL.M. from The London School of Economics and Political Science. He received a Scholarship and Diploma from Hague Academy of International Law and earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Mario is former Chairman of the Nashville Bar Immigration Committee and served as past chairman of the Hispanic Achievers Program of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. He is a member of Leadership Nashville, Class of 1995-1996.
Mario is AILA Advocacy Director for the Mid-South serving on the Grassroots Campaigns / Immigration Works Committee and on the US-Mexico Plus/Essential Workers Committee and the Hispanic Interest Committee.
Mario Ramos is the recipient of the NAHCC 2008 Hispanic Entrepreneur Achievement Award. Mario was elected to the board of directors of the NAHCC in 2011 and has served one term as Chairman of the board of directors. He was recognized by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) with an Advocacy Award for Outstanding Efforts in Support of AILA’s Legislative Agenda.
Mario received the Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law, and his LL.M. from The London School of Economics and Political Science. He received a Scholarship and Diploma from Hague Academy of International Law and earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Mario is former Chairman of the Nashville Bar Immigration Committee and served as past chairman of the Hispanic Achievers Program of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. He is a member of Leadership Nashville, Class of 1995-1996.
Mario is AILA Advocacy Director for the Mid-South serving on the Grassroots Campaigns / Immigration Works Committee and on the US-Mexico Plus/Essential Workers Committee and the Hispanic Interest Committee.
Mario Ramos is the recipient of the NAHCC 2008 Hispanic Entrepreneur Achievement Award. Mario was elected to the board of directors of the NAHCC in 2011 and has served one term as Chairman of the board of directors. He was recognized by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) with an Advocacy Award for Outstanding Efforts in Support of AILA’s Legislative Agenda.
August Roundtable Series Moderators
Luis Parodi
Luis Parodi, NAHCC Chairman,
Fifth Third Bank
Luis is Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager, responsible for business development, relationship management and client experience of companies with annual gross sales up to $20 million. He provides services that include loans, deposits, treasury management, and all other applicable banking services. Luis has a strong history of success in delivering key strategic initiatives around the world and multi-million results while building strong relationships. Luis Parodi received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his MBA in Finance from Butler University.
Luis has received many recognitions and awards including Distinguished Citizen of the City of Indianapolis by the Mayor of Indianapolis Bart Peterson in 2005. Luis was appointed Co-Chair by Mayor Peterson to the Commission on Latino Affairs, created to increase Latino involvement in city government and make city services more accessible to residents. In addition, Luis received The Fifth Third CRA Legacy Award, and the Outstanding Professional Leadership Award from the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Luis has served on the City of Nashville Workforce Investment Board and the Housing Resource Team for NashvilleNext, a Growth Plan for the future of Nashville and Davidson County over the next 25 years.
Luis graduated from Leadership Middle Tennessee in 2014. And in addition to his role as Chairman of the Board for the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he sits on the board of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, New Level Community Development Corporation, Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation, and Board Trustee of the Catholic Community Investment and Loan.
Fifth Third Bank
Luis is Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager, responsible for business development, relationship management and client experience of companies with annual gross sales up to $20 million. He provides services that include loans, deposits, treasury management, and all other applicable banking services. Luis has a strong history of success in delivering key strategic initiatives around the world and multi-million results while building strong relationships. Luis Parodi received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his MBA in Finance from Butler University.
Luis has received many recognitions and awards including Distinguished Citizen of the City of Indianapolis by the Mayor of Indianapolis Bart Peterson in 2005. Luis was appointed Co-Chair by Mayor Peterson to the Commission on Latino Affairs, created to increase Latino involvement in city government and make city services more accessible to residents. In addition, Luis received The Fifth Third CRA Legacy Award, and the Outstanding Professional Leadership Award from the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Luis has served on the City of Nashville Workforce Investment Board and the Housing Resource Team for NashvilleNext, a Growth Plan for the future of Nashville and Davidson County over the next 25 years.
Luis graduated from Leadership Middle Tennessee in 2014. And in addition to his role as Chairman of the Board for the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he sits on the board of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, New Level Community Development Corporation, Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation, and Board Trustee of the Catholic Community Investment and Loan.
Matt Largen, President & CEO
Williamson Inc. Chamber of Commerce
Matt previously served as the Director of the Williamson County Office of Economic Development where he managed and directed countywide economic development strategies, including existing business, recruitment of new business, and entrepreneurship. He also previously served as the Director of Business Recruitment at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Largen has extensive experience in corporate office relocation and expansion projects, including serving as the project lead on the Tractor Supply Company headquarters/store support center, Mars PetCare corporate campus and global research center, Jackson National Life Insurance Company regional headquarters, and the Verizon Wireless state of Tennessee headquarters project. Combined, these projects accounted for over 3,000 new jobs in Williamson County and over $200 million in new capital investment.
Largen moved to Nashville from Little Rock where he served as the business development coordinator at the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce. He first began work in economic development through the office of U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln. He was named to the Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list in 2011, the Nashville Post’s 2012 In Charge list, was the top vote getter for the 2013 Nashville Business Journal’s Williamson County Impact Awards, and is an alumni of Leadership Franklin. Largen earned a bachelor’s degree at Henderson State University, a master’s degree at the University of New Hampshire, and is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.
Williamson Inc. Chamber of Commerce
Matt previously served as the Director of the Williamson County Office of Economic Development where he managed and directed countywide economic development strategies, including existing business, recruitment of new business, and entrepreneurship. He also previously served as the Director of Business Recruitment at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Largen has extensive experience in corporate office relocation and expansion projects, including serving as the project lead on the Tractor Supply Company headquarters/store support center, Mars PetCare corporate campus and global research center, Jackson National Life Insurance Company regional headquarters, and the Verizon Wireless state of Tennessee headquarters project. Combined, these projects accounted for over 3,000 new jobs in Williamson County and over $200 million in new capital investment.
Largen moved to Nashville from Little Rock where he served as the business development coordinator at the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce. He first began work in economic development through the office of U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln. He was named to the Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list in 2011, the Nashville Post’s 2012 In Charge list, was the top vote getter for the 2013 Nashville Business Journal’s Williamson County Impact Awards, and is an alumni of Leadership Franklin. Largen earned a bachelor’s degree at Henderson State University, a master’s degree at the University of New Hampshire, and is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.
